"Illegal sand mining going on under nose of Punjab ministers": Congress leader Navjot Sidhu
Jan 15, 2024
New Delhi [India], January 15 : Congress leader Navjot Sidhu on Monday alleged that illegal sand mining is ongoing in Punjab with the assistance of the ministers in the Aam Admi Party's government, adding that this is a serious matter that can damage the economy of the state.
The remarks came after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday issued notice to the Government of Punjab, the concerned District Magistrate, and relevant officials on a plea moved by Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu and others seeking direction to stop all alleged illegal sand mining in Punjab's Rupnagar.
Speaking to reporters, Congress leader Navjot Sidhu said, "This issue has not just come from Ropar, but from Pathankot and Moga as well, and people have testified as eyewitnesses with proof. The Punjab government has been imposed with a penalty of Rs 630 crores, which they haven't paid."
Navjot Sidhu further targeted AAP and alleged that prior to the elections, it had promised the public that nearly Rs 20,000 crores per year would be recovered and distributed among women in Punjab.
"This makes it Rs 40,000 crores in two years, but only Rs 300 crores made it to the beneficiaries. The remaining Rs 39,700 crore went into their pockets.This is a serious matter involving the economy.Illegal sand mining is going on under the nose of Punjab ministers. We can also say that with their facilitation, illegal mining is being carried out," he added.
Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu through a plea, stated, "I, along with a few well-wishers of Punjab have filed a petition before the NGT, Delhi, to take immediate remedial measures and stop all illegal sand mining in Rupnagar, Punjab and to identify erring officials who have allowed illegal mining in Rupnagar and initiate action against such officials after a detailed investigation. It is listed on Monday before Court No. 1, NGT, Delhi."
The bench headed by Justice Prakash Shrivastava on Monday, after hearing the submissions of Advocates KC Mittal and Abhimanyu Walia, sought the responses of all respondents and fixed the matter for March 11.
The large-scale mechanised mining and crusher operation in the area has impacted the environment adversely. Illegal, unregulated and unscientific sand mining can alter the river bed and increase flood risk in the region, as the plea further mentioned.
